Courses in Plant & Soil Science

This course presents an overview of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of coffee production, commercialization and consumption, with a focus on Mesoamerica coffee producing regions.

Credits: 3.

PSS 010 - Home & Garden Horticulture

Planning, selecting, and maintaining shrubs, trees, flowers, lawns, fruits, and vegetables around the home. Suitable for students in any major.

Credits: 3.

PSS 015 - Home & Garden Horticulture Lab

This lab provides practical, hands-on horticultural skills both in and around the home. Co-requisite: PSS 010.

Credits: 1.

PSS 021 - Introduction to Ecological Agr

Ecological concepts as applied to agriculture including farm visits.

Credits: 3.

PSS 028 - A Bug's Life

An introduction to the world of insects and their impact on our everyday lives, from the food we eat to solving murder crimes.

Credits: 3.

PSS 095 - Special Topics

Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings.

Credits: 1-18.

PSS 096 - Special Topics

Courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing department offerings.

Credits: 1-18.

PSS 106 - Entomology & Pest Mgmt

Survey of the major insect orders, and methods for controlling injurious species. Prerequisites: PSS 010, PSS 021, one semester Biology, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 4.

PSS 112 - Weed Ecology & Management

Identification, ecology, and management of weeds and other invasive plants in agriculture, urban/suburban landscapes, and natural areas. Prerequisites: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or PBIO 004, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3.

PSS 117 - Plant Pathology

Introduction to the causes of plant disease including the relationship of the plant, pathogen, and environment in disease development and disease management. Pre/co-requisites: PBIO 004, or BIOL 001 and BIOL 002, or BCOR 011 and BCOR 012 or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: PBIO 117. Alternate years.

Credits: 4.

PSS 121 - Indoor Plants

Indoor flowers, culture, related topics such as design. Prerequisites: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission.

The course will introduce students to agroecological research in vegetable cropping systems, farm management, and current trends in organic and conventional vegetable production. Prerequisites: PSS 010, PSS 021, and PSS 001, one semester of Biology, or permission of the Instructor. Alternate years.

Credits: 4.

PSS 125 - Woody Landscape Plants

Identification, climatic requirements, cultural management, and use of ornamental plant materials in landscape planting. Prerequisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission.

Principles and practices of growing and utilizing forage plants for hay, silage and pasture; introduction to management intensive grazing; understanding forage quality. Pre/co-requisites: PSS 010, or one semester of Biology, or one semester of Plant Biology, or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: ASCI 143.

Credits: 4.

PSS 145 - Turfgrass Management

Establishment, maintenance, and utilization of turf for aesthetic, athletic and utility functions. Pre/co-requisite: PSS 010 or PSS 021, or one semester of Biology, or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Credits: 3.

PSS 154 - Composting Ecology & Mgmt

Examines ecological, physical and chemical principles, the practical management of the composting process, and benefits of using compost in plant and soil ecosystems. Prerequisite: Three credits in basic biological or ecological science or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Credits: 3.

PSS 156 - Permaculture

Design of agriculturally productive environments that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of the natural biosphere to harmoniously integrate landscape and people. Prerequisite: Three credits in a basic biological or ecological science, or permission. Cross-listed with: ENVS 156.

Credits: 3.

PSS 158 - Internship:Eco Ag/Lndscape Hrt

Academically oriented hands-on experience in agriculture and horticulture under the joint supervision of instructor and host. Pre/co-requisites: Must be a Junior/Senior in the Ecological Agriculture Major or the Sustainable Landscape Horticulture Major or Instructor permission.

Credits: 1-3.

PSS 161 - Fundamentals of Soil Science

Biological, chemical, and physical properties of the dynamic soil system as related to plant growth and environmental problems. Prerequisite: Inorganic chemistry or permission.

Individual projects under direction of a faculty member. Project may involve original research, readings, internship, or assisting in teaching. Prerequisite: Permission. More than a total of six credits per semester requires the permission of the Department Chair.

Credits: 1-6.

PSS 198 - Undergrad Independent Study

Individual projects under direction of a faculty member. Project may involve original research, readings, internship, or assisting in teaching. Prerequisite: Permission. More than a total of six credits per semester requires the permission of the Department Chair.

Credits: 1-6.

PSS 208 - Organic Farm Planning

Students acquire financial, business, and technical knowledge and skills needed to run a 3-acre vegetable farm at UVM's Horticultural Research Farm. Pre/co-requisites: PSS 021 and one 100-level PSS course, equivalent experience, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3.

PSS 209 - Organic Farm Practicum

As an experiential learning course, students will gain experience in implementing their business and farm management plans generated from the spring course, Organic Farm Planning. Pre/co-requisites: PSS 021 and one 100-level PSS course, equivalent experience, or Instructor permission.

Credits: 3.

PSS 212 - Advanced Agroecology

This course presents an in-depth overview of research and applications in the field of agroecology, including current ecological and social dynamics in agricultural landscapes in Vermont and abroad. Pre/co-requisites: PSS 021 and one semester ecology at the 100-level or above or Instructor permission. Cross-listed with: ENVS 212.

Credits: 4.

PSS 232 - Biological Control

Describes theory and application of biological control of insects, disease, and weeds. Discuss ecological factors that contribute to the success of classical, augmentative, and conservation approaches to biological control. Approved for Graduate credit. Prerequisites: Course in entomology, ecology, or relevant experience.

Field techniques that describe soil properties, formation, and classification. The principles and processes of soil genesis, land use classification systems, and land use challenges. Prerequisite: PSS 161 or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Credits: 3.

PSS 264 - Chemistry of Soil & Water

An environmentally oriented study of the colloidal chemistry of soil and its interfaces with roots, water, and air. Prerequisites: PSS 161, two semesters Chemistry or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Credits: 4.

PSS 266 - Soil Water Movement

Mathematical modeling and physical principles of the soil-water-plant interaction and its relationship to environmental and agricultural issues. Prerequisites: PSS 161, one semester of Physics or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Examines key issues in pollution of soil and water. Topics include type of pollutants, their reactions in soil and water, pollution prevention and bioremediation. Prerequisites: PSS 161 or Instructor permission. Alternate years.

Credits: 3.

PSS 281 - Prof Dev:Eco Ag/Sust Lndsc Hrt

Students will develop and articulate a professional philosophy and improve skills in career development including writing, resume preparation, effective interviewing and negotiation. Prerequisites: Sophomore/Junior standing; Ecological Agriculture Major or the Sustainable Landscape Horticulture Major or Instructor permission.

Individual projects under direction of a faculty member. Project may involve original research, readings, internship, or assisting in teaching. Prerequisite: Instructor permission; More than a total of six credits per semester requires Chair permission.

Credits: 1-6.

PSS 298 - Advanced Independent Study

Individual projects under direction of a faculty member. Project may involve original research, readings, internship, or assisting in teaching. Prerequisite: Instructor permission; more than a total of six credits per semester requires Chair permission.

Credits: 1-6.

PSS 301 - Professional Skills Colloquium

Presentation and peer review of oral and written communication. Professional development skills including technical writing, literature review, mentorship, scientific integrity, grant proposals, and job market.

Credits: 1.

PSS 302 - Soil Science Colloquium

Graduate student and faculty discussion of current research topics in soil science.

Credits: 1.

PSS 381 - Graduate Special Topics

Advanced readings and discussion of horticulture, crops, or soils research literature.

Credits: 1-3.

PSS 391 - Master's Thesis Research

Credits: 1-18.

PSS 393 - Seminar Series

Presentations of personal research by faculty, Graduate students and outside guest speakers. Attendance and oral presentations are required of Graduate students in Plant and Soil Science. Repeatable 2 times for M.S. students and 4 times for Ph.D. students.

Credits: 1.

PSS 394 - Seminar Series

Presentations of personal research by faculty, Graduate students, and outside guest speakers. Attendance and oral presentations are required of Graduate students in Plant and Soil Science. Repeatable 2 times for M.S. students and 4 times for Ph.D. students.